Dorothy Stanbury

Brooke Burgess

Brooke and Dorothy are deeply in love and eventually marry, representing a central romantic plot.

Mr. Gibson

Mr. Gibson pursues Dorothy romantically, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of Brooke Burgess.

Hugh Stanbury

Dorothy and Hugh are siblings, with a close and supportive bond despite their different life paths.

Martha

Martha is Dorothy's loyal maid and confidante, providing companionship and support throughout the story.

Hugh Stanbury

Dorothy and Hugh are siblings, with a close and supportive bond despite their different life paths.

Brooke Burgess

Brooke and Dorothy are deeply in love and eventually marry, representing a central romantic plot.

Mr. Gibson

Mr. Gibson pursues Dorothy romantically, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of Brooke Burgess.

Mr. Gibson

Mr. Gibson pursues Dorothy romantically, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of Brooke Burgess.

Brooke Burgess

Brooke and Dorothy are deeply in love and eventually marry, representing a central romantic plot.

Martha

Martha is Dorothy's loyal maid and confidante, providing companionship and support throughout the story.

Hugh Stanbury

Dorothy and Hugh are siblings, with a close and supportive bond despite their different life paths.

Martha

Martha is Dorothy's loyal maid and confidante, providing companionship and support throughout the story.

Miss Jemima Stanbury, of Exeter

Implied as the niece being invited to live with Miss Stanbury, though not named directly in the excerpts.

I Know It Will Do

Accepts her aunt's invitation to live in Exeter; arrives at the Close with Martha; her modest appearance and gentle manner please Miss Stanbury.

Miss Stanbury’s Generosity

Defends her brother Hugh against her aunt's criticism, risking her place in the household; later reconciled when Miss Stanbury agrees to let Hugh visit.

What They Said About It in the Close

Defends Mrs. Trevelyan at the tea party, explaining that the separation is due to a misunderstanding between the couple, not because of Colonel Osborne.

The Stanbury Correspondence

Pleads with her aunt on behalf of her mother, and later receives Miss Stanbury's apology.

Showing How Miss Stanbury Behaved to Her Two Nieces

Defends her sister Priscilla and mother, tearfully asserting their honesty, and mediates between her aunt and the Clock House family.

Mr. Brooke Burgess

Endures her aunt's crossness, resists Mr. Gibson's awkward advances, and finally confesses she does not love him.

Priscilla's Wisdom

Writes to Priscilla in distress about Aunt Stanbury's pressure to accept Mr. Gibson's proposal, confessing she does not love him.

Mr. Gibson's Good Fortune

Is the object of Mr. Gibson's proposal and feels shy about discussing marriage.

Miss Stanbury's Wrath

Refuses to come downstairs to meet Mr. Gibson, leading to a confrontation with her aunt. She offers to return to Nuncombe but eventually stays after a compromise.

Miss Stanbury and Mr. Gibson Become Two

Dorothy firmly refuses Mr. Gibson's proposal, explaining she does not love him and cannot marry him, despite her aunt's pressure.

XLIII: Laburnum Cottage

Recently arrived at Nuncombe; supports the move after seeing the cottage's poor condition; also discussed regarding her rejection of Mr. Gibson.

About Fishing, and Navigation, and Headdresses

Refused Mr. Gibson's proposal; she asks her aunt not to publicize the truth and shows unexpected spirit.

Mr. Brooke Burgess After Supper

Discussed as the object of Brooke's affection; praised for her sweet nature and her refusal to marry Mr. Gibson.

Showing What Happened During Miss Stanbury’s Illness

Nurses her aunt, writes to Brooke, and receives his marriage proposal.

Mr. Gibson's Threat

Receives Mr. Gibson's visit with bewilderment; feels Martha's increased respect and is conflicted about allowing Gibson to see her aunt.

LVII: Dorothy's Fate

Dorothy is torn between her love for Brooke Burgess and her duty to her aunt. She confesses the proposal to Miss Stanbury, who reacts harshly, and Dorothy resolves to reject Brooke's offer despite her feelings.

LVIII: Dorothy at Home

Returns home from Exeter, changed by her experiences; receives Brooke Burgess's letter and resolves to sacrifice her own happiness for his sake.

Of a Quarter of Lamb

Away at Nuncombe Putney; the recipient of the lamb and letter, with Miss Stanbury longing for her return.

The Delivery of the Lamb

Receives Brooke's proposal and her aunt's letter; is moved by the letter and feels softened toward Miss Stanbury.

Dorothy Returns to Exeter

Struggles with guilt and loyalty, torn between her love for Brooke and her duty to her aunt; experiences emotional highs and lows as Miss Stanbury first blesses then condemns the marriage.

The Lioness Aroused

Allowed to tell her mother and sister about her engagement to Brooke Burgess.

Mrs. French’s Carving Knife

Observes her aunt's unusual lack of reprobation toward Mr. Gibson's conduct.

LXXXIII: Bella Victrix

Mildly remarks on the marriage, refraining from contradicting her aunt's earlier favorable view of Mr. Gibson.

Cropper and Burgess

Engaged to Brooke; feels conflicted about inheriting property meant for the Burgesses; deeply involved in banking matters.

I Wouldn't Do It, if I Was You

Writes to Hugh about her wedding plans and invites him to stay.

Mrs. Brooke Burgess

The bride, now Mrs. Brooke Burgess; her character has blossomed into confidence and wit.

Conclusion

Marries Brooke Burgess and is installed as mistress of Miss Stanbury's house, though her aunt retains control of the keys.